In 2 Samuel 24, David takes a census of the people. While the census itself was not a sin, and there are right times for a census to be completed, this particular census drew the wrath of God. Because we see God get angry, we can assume that David’s motives behind the census is what drew God’s attention. David was putting trust in his military power rather than in the Lord’s protection and guidance. From David’s actions we can learn six things about sin:
There is always motivation behind every sin. In verse three, we find that when Joab was instructed by David to take the census, Joab asks, “But why does my lord the king desire this thing?” Joab appears to have been concerned about David’s motives, yet he obeys his king and census is taken.
God brings conviction with every sin. As soon as it was completed, the Bible tells us that “David’s heart condemned him.” In other words, he was convicted of his sin. Maybe God placed that concern in Joab’s heart as a “warning sign” to David. However, David ignored it and continued with his plans. Can you think of a time when you were considering some sin and someone warned you against it? That could have been God sending you a warning sign to reconsider your actions. What did you do? Did you heed the advice of the person God sent or did you, like David, continue with your plans. There is nothing worse than doing something and then immediately afterwards your heart is filled with regret and shame, knowing you have disappointed God yet again.
When we sin, we should repent quickly. It is interesting that after “David’s heart condemns him,” we do not see David immediately repenting. Instead, God has to send the prophet, Gad, to tell David God is going to let him choose his own punishment.
With sin, comes consequences. Gad comes to David with God’s message. David was to choose between seven years of famine, flee for three months before his enemies while they pursue him, or three days’ plague in the land.
Even when we sin, there is always mercy at the hand of God. David knew his enemies would have no mercy so he chose to fall into the hand of God, knowing He was a God of mercy. When God sent a plague over Jerusalem to destroy it, David’s knowledge of God’s mercy proved to be correct. The Lord relented and spared the city.
Sin’s effects often ripple out to those around us. It is interesting that David’s sin was placing his trust in his military might and therefore numbered the people so God’s consequence was to send a plaque that caused 70,000 people to die. David then says to God, “Surely I have sinned, and I have done wickedly; but these sheep, what have they done? Let Your hand, I pray, be against me and against my father’s house.” David pleas with God to strike only himself and his family, but sin often has consequences that affect others, especially if the sinner is a leader. When we choose to follow our own plans, our choices affect others and they can get caught up in the consequences of our sin.
Let’s learn from David and be attentive to those God sends us as a warning and heed their words to keep us from sin. Let’s also consider how our choices and actions affect those around us. And when we do sin, let’s repent quickly and fall on the mercy of God and seek his forgiveness.
#consequenceofsin #mercifulGod #WCM
Download the full 52-Day prayer guide by clicking here.
The prayer guide is available for free download to individuals and churches and may be reproduced in any quantity both printed and electronically through websites, email, social media, apps, or any other method.
Today, pray for Nebraska:
#Chronovirus #fastandpray #judgement #repentance #revivalin2020 #WCM
Don’t forget to learn this week’s memory verse:
Memorize and hide in your heart one memory verse each week in 2020. If you didn’t start the challenge at the beginning of the year, just jump in now and be sure to sign up to get our weekly Memory verse in your email so you don’t miss a week.
In 2020 our emphasis is on revival for America with three key words: revive, renew, and redeem. You will begin to see the elements of our website and posts reflect this emphasis. We hope you’ll join us in praying for God to pour out the Holy Spirit with a mighty rushing wind of revival for our nation and around the world.
Our key verse for revival is 2 Chronicles 7:14. “If my people who are called by my name shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, forgive their sin, and heal their land. For the past few weeks, we have been focusing on repentance. This week, we look at the spiritual transformation that takes place when we surrender our heart to God.
This week’s memory verse:
Psalm 95:6
“Come, let us worship and bow down;
let us kneel before the Lord our Maker..”
#bowdown #COVID19 #coronavirus #prayer #revival #WCM
Mother’s Day is May 10th.
Need a gift for mom on Mother’s Day? We’ve got her covered with two variations of this design based on Proverbs 31:25. Honor her on her special day to let her know she is clothed with strength and dignity.
Available in tees for women, mugs, bags, and other products. Here’s a sample of a few of the products you can choose with this design. Check out all the available products in the Spreadshirt shop. Also available in the Teespring shop
Thank you for helping us grow!
Click here to view these designs in the Teespring store.
Click here to view this design Spreadshop Store.
#mothersday #strengthanddignity #teespring #spreadshop
Check out these items from Christian Book Distributors.
At Christian Book Distributors you will find Bible Studies, books, gifts, and more to help you grow your faith and often at discounted prices from other places.
Our organization receives an 8% commission on any item you purchase through these links. However, the product price is the same for you. There is no increase in your cost for us to receive the commission. All commissions received support the work and ministry of Wellspring Christian Ministries.
 | God Has More In Store Mug By Carpentree, Inc Gift mug with uplifting words and upscale design
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 | Mother’s Day, Mug and Journal Gift Set By Christian Art Gifts Boxed gift set for mom, makes gift-giving so easy
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 | Mug Ceramic Love You Mom By Christian Art Gifts Soft touch pink and white Mom Collection of fine gifts she’ll love
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 | Mom, Thank You Ceramic Mug By Dicksons
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 | Love You Mom Glass Water Bottle By Christian Art Gifts Soft touch pink and white Mom Collection of fine gifts she’ll love
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 | Power Prayers for Moms By Rachel Quillin / Barbour Publishing Struggling to talk with God? In this concise yet spiritually powerful guide, Quillin offers solid biblical foundations, powerful prayer starters, Scripture verses, and the life experiences of historic and contemporary mothers. In 21 chapters, she covers key areas of life including children, home, church, career, marriage, goals, and more. An ideal gift for Mother’s Day! 192 pages, 4.25″ x 6.75″ softcover from Barbour. |
 | Mom, Written on My Heart Photo Frame By Grandparent Company Written on my Heart memorial gift brings comfort to those who lost someone special. Black frame with heart shaped photo opening, features heartfelt sentiment for Mom written in white. 8″ x 10″ frame for wall or tabletop display; holds 4″ x 6″. Mom… written on my heart |
 | Dear Mom Plaque By Dicksons Heartwarming gift for mom, perfect for birthdays, mother’s day, or special occasion. Plaque in vintage postcard design with colorful flowers and heartfelt sentiment. 8″ x 10″. Dear Mom, You mean so much to me, more than words could ever say. No one else could take your place for even a single day. From my earliest memories your love has always been there. Even when you scolded me, you were really saying “I care”. You’ve helped through the bad times and shared my joy in the good. You have given so much for me as only a mother could. It’s a precious gift from God to have a mother like you, because in your special love I can see His love shine through. |
 | God’s Wisdom for a Mother’s Heart: A Bible Study for Moms By Bobbie Wolgemuth / Thomas Nelson Formatted to suit a mom’s busy schedule, God’s Wisdom for a Mother’s Heart provides mothers at any stage of life with thoughtful, biblical encouragement for each and every day. |
 | Creative Counterpart: Becoming the Woman, Wife, and Mother You’ve Longed to Be By Linda Dillow / Thomas Nelson Scripture says a good wife is trustworthy, industrious, faithful, charitable, wise, kind . . . much more than just a helper! In this biblical and entertaining bestseller, Dillow shows you how to grow in all the areas of your chosen vocation as partner and parent. Includes study and project guide for individuals or small groups. 262 pages, softcover from Nelson. |
 | Mary: Seeing God through the Eyes of a Mother By Eugene H. Peterson & The Navigators / NavPress Get to know Mary, a modest young woman in a forgotten town under the shadow of empire, who mothered Jesus from childhood to crucifixion. Mary: Seeing God through the Eyes of a Mother is a four-session coloring Bible study for adults. It incorporates beautiful illustrations, coloring, the text of The Message, and a mix of study and reflection questions to help you understand both the text of the Bible and your own connection to Mary’s story. |
 | The Busy Mom’s Guide to Bible Study By Lisa Whelchel / Howard Books The Busy Mom’s Guide to Bible Study is a 3-month guide to help frazzled moms interact with God’s Word in just 15 minutes a day! During the first month (each week is five days), Lisa teaches twenty fun Bible-study methods which you’ll take turns applying to Scripture passages. Months two and three contain less and less teaching as you learn to mine the gems hidden in Scripture and apply them on your own. Scripture reading and space for journaling your insights and prayers are included so you won’t require extra materials or resources. Paperback. |
 | Building Circles of Grace: A Joint Bible Study for Tween Girls & Their Moms By Catherine Bird / Leafwood Publishing In Building Circles of Grace, moms and daughters will explore what it means to build and sustain Christ-centered relationships that we develop beyond our relationship with God. Some of the toughest experiences we encounter as young girls (and moms, too) are a result of the people we choose as friends. How do you respond with grace to a bully? How do you cope with the loss of a friendship? Can you really make a difference by putting Jesus first when it is not the cool thing to do? Building Circles of Grace invites moms and daughters to discuss all of these questions and more. |
 | Hoodwinked Study Guide: Ten Myths Moms Believe and Why We All Need to Knock It Off – eBook By Karen Ehman & Ruth Schwenk / Zondervan This six-session video-based study from Karen Ehman, author and speaker with Proverbs 31 Ministries, and Ruth Schwenk, of http://www.thebettermom.com, will encourage and inspire women to embrace their roles as mothers wholeheartedly yet realistically, whether they work outside the home, have a home business, or are stay-at-home moms. Study Guide Only. |
 | Unlocking the Treasure: A Bible Study for Moms Entrusted with Special-Needs Children – eBook By Bev Roozeboom / WestBow Press |
 | Rest: Finding Stillness in the Midst of Busy By Kara-Kae James / David C Cook |
God, Love, and Marshmallow Wars: 365 Daily Challenges to Grow Your MarriageBy Julia M. Bruce / WestBow Press
There’s no doubt that marriage is hard work. Yet it can also be one of the most fulfilling relationships you can experience, outside of your relationship with God. However, many marriages leave God outside of the relationship. Godly marriages do not happen without cultivating it, investing in it, and putting God first in your individual lives and in your marriage.
This book includes 365 daily activities and takes you on a journey through Biblical principles about Godly marriage that you can then apply to your marriage, as well as helping you talk through concepts that can help you develop a solid relationship. Inside you will find simple, quick activities that include:
• Scripture to memorize and meditate on
• Conversation Starters
• Concepts from the Bible on Godly marriages
• Romance Builders
• Relationship Builders
• Personal reflections
• Date ideas
• Group date ideas for you and other Christian couples
